Children enjoy learning about solar energy during a bright summer afternoon on The Science Barge at the Yonkers waterfront. (May 30, 2013) (Credit: Elizabeth Daza)

The Whole Foods Market at Westchester's Ridge Hill shopping center, 1 Ridge Hill Rd. in Yonkers, will donate 5 percent of net sales on Wednesday to Groundwork Hudson Valley's Science Barge. The Science Barge is the sustainable urban farm docked on the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers that operates as an environmental education center. Powered by solar and wind energy and biofuels, the Barge operates...

The Science Barge is the sustainable urban farm docked on the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers that operates as an environmental education center. Powered by solar and wind energy and biofuels, the Barge operates entirely off the grid, with its greenhouse irrigated solely by rainwater. The Barge provides educational programs for young people of all ages, hosting more than 8,000 visitors annually.

"We're very excited that Whole Foods Market chose to give back to the community by supporting the Science Barge. Whole Foods supports local farmers and sustainable agriculture, and the Barge teaches about growing pesticide-free food using sustainable methods right here in Yonkers. So it's a perfect partnership. We're teaching about what Whole Foods promotes," Science Barge director Bob Walters said in a news release.

The Science Barge grows fresh produce for local food pantries using hydroponics and aquaponics. Barge produce is also available at Groundwork's Get Fresh Farmers Market, held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 26 from in Van der Donck Park across from the Metro-North Station in downtown Yonkers.